Memorial Day traveler guide: The best and worst times to be on the road this weekend, and current gas prices at the pump
An estimated 45 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA’s latest projections. While that figure represents a small increase (0.4%) over last year’s 44.8 million, it’s another record for the holiday.
The majority of these holiday weekend travelers — 39.1 million, or 87% — will travel by car, even though drivers are paying more at the pump than they have in four years. The national average for a gallon of regular gas was $4.56 on Wednesday, AAA said, up $1.38 from this time last year, and close to the $4.61 average drivers paid on Memorial Day 2022. AAA pointed to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a key driver behind elevated pump prices heading into summer.
And the best and worst times to travel by car over the holiday weekend? AAA and data partner INRIX say Saturday drivers should aim to be on the road before 11 a.m., with the worst traffic expected from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday will be the lightest day, with minimal congestion expected. Monday’s return crunch hits between noon and 5 p.m., so anyone heading home should try to leave before 10 a.m.
Travelers heading home will encounter the least traffic on Sunday. But on Monday, drivers should expect traffic most of the day.
“Despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement announcing the travel forecast.
For those traveling by air, 3.66 million travelers are projected to fly domestically, representing a small (0.3%) increase from last year. An average round-trip domestic flight ticket for Memorial Day weekend is $800, which is 6% cheaper compared to last year, according to AAA data. The majority of those trips were booked before rising jet fuel prices affected airfare.
The most expensive states at the pump are California ($6.14), Washington ($5.78) and Hawaii ($5.64), AAA said. The cheapest are Mississippi ($4.01), Georgia ($4.03) and Indiana ($4.04).
Other modes of transportation, including bus, train and boat, are projected to increase by 5.3%, to 2.2 million people. The Alaska cruise season, which kicks off around this time of year, is driving this category’s growth, per AAA.
Where are travelers headed, anyway? AAA says based on booking data, the top domestic destination is Orlando, while the top destination for international travelers is Rome.
